The Aging Intellect

Habits such as regular exercise are well known to be linked to better health in older adults. Far less is understood about behaviors that contribute to the optimally aging mind. This may be a reason why only about 25% of elders meet the standards for optimal cognitive aging. The Aging Intellect describes more than a dozen specific characteristics that distinguish older people who remain cognitively vigorous from the majority who are aging normally or are at risk for cognitive impairment. In addition, this book provides professionals with evidence-based recommendations that can help their aging patients and clients minimize the effects of predictable cognitive changes and more fully use their mental abilities. The Aging Intellect is also written for people of all ages interested in maximizing their cognitive vigor. Dr. Powell has encouraging words for those who know they are not aging optimally, but are willing to modify one or two habits that can improve their mental powers. Richly illustrated with clinical examples and case studies, The Aging Intellect includes topics rarely discussed in book form. specifies lifestyle habits and attitudes linked to three levels of cognitive aging: optimal, normal, and at risk for cognitive impairment describes evidence based strategies that minimize mental decline warns of normal cognitive changes that increase the chances of elders making poor financial decisions identifies intellectual qualities that strengthen with age.

Habits such as regular exercise are well known to be linked to better health in older adults. Far less is understood about behaviors that contribute to the optimally aging mind. This may be a reason why only about 25% of elders meet the standards for optimal cognitive aging. The Aging Intellect describes more than a dozen specific characteristics that distinguish older people who remain cognitively vigorous from the majority who are aging normally or are at risk for cognitive impairment. In addition, this book provides professionals with evidence-based recommendations that can help their aging patients and clients minimize the effects of predictable cognitive changes and more fully use their mental abilities. The Aging Intellect is also written for people of all ages interested in maximizing their cognitive vigor. Dr. Powell has encouraging words for those who know they are not aging optimally, but are willing to modify one or two habits that can improve their mental powers.

Richly illustrated with clinical examples and case studies, The Aging Intellect includes topics rarely discussed in book form.

• specifies lifestyle habits and attitudes linked to three levels of cognitive aging: optimal, normal, and at risk for cognitive impairment
• describes evidence based strategies that minimize mental decline
• warns of normal cognitive changes that increase the chances of elders making poor financial decisions
• identifies intellectual qualities that strengthen with age.

"The Aging Intellect is written for the large number of professionals, including social workers, nurses, retirement home administrators, doctors, psychologists, pastors and others, who oversee the well being of elderly women and men. It provides elder care workers with an array of suggestions (beyond exercising and eating right) that can improve, maintain or maximize the quality of their client's mental abilities for as long as possible. The Aging Intellect serves its purpose by addressing four major issues associated with age-related cognitive decline, each of which has a solid research footing and is within the reach of most seniors"-- Provided by publisher. Maximizing Intellectual Powers in the 3rd Age of Life. How Health Affects the Intellect. How the Mind Ages. Health Lifestyle Habits Benefiting the Aging Body and Mind. Direct Actions that Benefit the Intellect. Optimal Cognitive Aging. Normal Cognitive Aging. High-risk Cognitive Aging. What I've Learned About the Aging Intellect. Glossary of Terms.